Choosing the best tea maker

Tea brewing is becoming more and more popular due to all the health benefits of drinking tea and the availability of a wide variety of teas. This popularity has led to numerous options when selecting a tea maker, from steeping kettles to strainers and tea balls. When purchasing a tea maker it is important to think about the type of teas you enjoy, what style of tea maker fits your needs, and the amount you are looking to invest in your tea maker.

Types of tea

The first consideration when purchasing a tea maker is what types of tea you are planning to make. Tea can be purchased either loose leaf or in a tea bag. Electric tea makers may be able to brew loose leaf tea or bagged tea. Steeping kettles, strainers, tea balls, and infusing baskets are typically designed for loose leaf tea.

The temperature of tea is also important. Specialty iced tea makers are available if you prefer iced teas instead of hot. Iced tea is generally brewed the same as hot, except some tea sellers recommend you brew the tea at double strength.

Iced Tea Makers

Electric brewers

Electric tea makers are similar to a drip-style coffee pot. They offer an ease of use through simple strength adjustments and clean up. When selecting an electric tea maker be sure to check if it will brew bagged tea if that is your preference. Water tank size is also another key consideration, especially if you are planning on making large batches of tea. Some electric brewers will also have settings for different types of teas and automatically adjust brewing time. For example, a green tea will require much less steeping time than a black tea. Electric brewers are also available for iced teas. Iced tea brewers will make a large batch of tea, usually 2 quarts, and may use bagged or loose leaf tea depending on the brewer.

Electric Tea Makers

Steeping kettles

Steeping kettles are specialty designed for brewing loose leaf tea. They can greatly vary in their features and how to use them. Steeping kettles are a great option for a portable tea maker. Depending on the kettle, water may be heated directly in the kettle or it may need to be heated before adding it to the kettle. This can be a key point if you plan to use your steeping kettle in your office or away from home. The loose tea leaves are added directly to the kettle and strained as you pour out the brewed tea. Be sure to select a steeping kettle that will allow plenty of room for your tea to expand during the steeping process. Ease of clean up can also vary between steeping kettle types. You want to look for a steeping kettle that has a strainer that is easy to clean or is removable since you add the tea leaves directly to the kettle.

Steeping Kettles

Tea strainers

A tea strainer is a small strainer used to filter out tea leaves. Strainers can be designed to fit onto a kettle or held directly over your mug. Tea strainers are easy to use and clean; however, you will need a separate kettle for heating your water. A strainer is a great and inexpensive option if you already have a tea kettle at home with a wide spout. If your tea kettle has a small spout you may have trouble with tea leaves clogging since the tea leaves expand as they steep. Strainer clean up is simple since it can be easily rinsed and washed.

Tea Strainers

Tea infusers

A tea ball is similar to a strainer except it is used directly in the kettle. Tea balls are mesh spheres that hold tea in the middle. After the tea leaves are placed in the ball, the ball is placed in the hot water. The tea ball is easily removed when tea is done steeping. Clean up is similar to a strainer. Be sure to get a tea ball that will allow room for your tea to expand during the steeping process. An infusing basket is similar to a tea ball; however, it is general fitted to a kettle or tumbler. When using a maker with an infusing basket, you add the loose tea leaves in the basket and remove when done steeping. The basket should be easy to remove and washed. Since infusing baskets are generally fitted to a kettle or tumbler, they can not be easily used with other kettles or tumblers.

Tea Infusers

Travel mugs or sports bottles are some options that are available with an infusing basket and make traveling with your tea a breeze.

Paper tea filters

An alternative to a tea maker is to create you own tea bags. Paper filters can be filled with your favorite loose leaf tea. You then steep your tea the same way you would a regular tea bag. These filters come in several options such as bleach-free or made from recycled paper. Paper filters can be filled ahead of time and used for travel. The disadvantages of this method are that a new paper filter will be needed each time and it can be tedious to fill the filters.

Paper Tea Filters

Cost considerations

The cost of tea makers varies as much as the variety of tea makers. Electric brewers start around $30 and go up to several hundred dollars. Steeping kettles will be in the $20-50 range. Most strainers and tea balls are under $20 with several options available under $10. Kettles or tumblers with infusing baskets range from $15-40.

Paper filters are the cheapest option at around $5 per box; however, remember they are not reusable like the other tea making products. With all the options available, it may take some research to find your perfect tea maker. The effort will be well worth it when you enjoy your fresh brewed tea.